TNBC convention : CM stops short of apologising for late arrival
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21 2014 :
Chief Minister O Ibobi today graced the second day of the quadrennial convention of the Tangkhul Naga Baptist Convention at Nongdam Tangkhul village.
Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing, Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray, Parliamentary Secretary Victor Keishing, MLA Yamthong Haokip and MLA Jamhenglung Panmei were also seated on the dais as presidium members.
At the very outset of his speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi requested the gathering not to be hypercritical for his late arrival.
He categorically stated that the function was not a political platform but a religious congregation.
He also hailed the efforts of Nongdam Tangkhul villagers for successfully organising the event.
|
Perhaps it was the Tangkhuls of Ukhrul district who first embraced Christianity among the indigenous communities of Manipur, he said.
Being the first community to be closely associated with missionaries, Tangkhuls received many advantages and they are more advanced today.
Apart from hill people, more and more Meiteis of the valley have been embracing Christianity.
India being a secular country, every citizen has the right to follow any religious faith of his/her own choice.
Yet, it is crucial for very citizen to respect every religion and faith, Ibobi stated.
He also remarked that Nongdam village is a place of exquisite natural beauty.
The Chief Minister assured that roads leading to and passing through Nongdam would be repaired soon in addition to initiating many development programmes in consultation with relevant departments.
While maintaining that the Government has no authority to sanction any amount of money for construction of churches or convention halls or any religious structure, the Chief Minister, nonetheless, donated Rs three lakh from his personal capacity towards construction of a convention hall at Nongdam Tangkhul village.
Preshow Shimray stated that there is no question of Chief Minister O Ibobi neglecting hill people.
In spite of his busy schedule, the Chief Minister, somehow, spared to attend the function.
This is a clear testimony of his empathy and concern for the hill people.
To the Chief Minister, all the people of Manipur are one and equal, Preshow Shimray asserted.
More than 6000 people attended the gathering and it culminated with a prayer session conducted by Rev James W Starr, a missionary who came from the USA.